Car Transportation in San Marcos TX

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Unlike other vehicle shipping companies in San Marcos, we never charge hidden fees. Our pricing includes everything that you will need to transport your vehicle from point A to point B – all at extremely competitive rates.

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Are you on the quest for efficient auto transport services in San Marcos? In this article we’ll give you an overview of the auto shipping business, how it operates and how to make the very best decision. A little research will go a long way in having the best auto transport experience feasible and make sure your motor vehicle makes it from one place to another securely. Almost all shippers will offer you “door-to-door” service, which means they pick your car up from one place and deliver it to another place of your choosing. When making a decision on an auto carrier service, it’s necessary to first know the distinction between an auto transport brokerage and an auto hauler. The primary difference is that brokers simply arrange for transport, while carriers are the ones actually handling the physical delivery. Some businesses act as both a broker and a carrier, but we’ll discuss the two distinctions further in this article.

San Marcos Auto Brokers vs. Car Carriers

If you’ve never had your car shipped before, then chances are you’re unaware of the distinctions between an auto broker and auto carrier in San Marcos. Essentially, using either service will have the same end result, transporting your automobile from one place to another, but it’s always a good idea to have a fundamental understanding of the two before making a final decision on which provider to do business with.

What Does an Auto Broker Do?

A person or group acting as an auto transport broker won’t own the fleet of trucks used for shipping. Brokers assist in auto transportation by connecting customers, referred to as “shippers”, with the carriers that provide the particular services requested. Brokers already have an established network of shippers who have routes that run all over the country, which will provide the customer more options and a better chance to find the best one for them. Dealing with a single carrier means they may not run the route you require, possess the necessary equipment or the proper licensing to transport through the states required to get your vehicle where it needs to go. In short, a broker does the work of contacting carriers in order to find the one who offers the best prices and appropriate service, which means you might get a much better rate since it will increase competition.

Selecting a Qualified Car Carrier

When you choose to seek out a San Marcos auto carrier you’ll be working with the company who actually owns the truck used for transporting vehicles. However, most carriers only serve a minimal number of routes so that their services are cost efficient. They do not divert too far from their designated routes because this would mean slower service to all customers and even higher prices. Dealing with a carrier company doesn’t mean clients will pay less. A service costs what it costs. Whether that is time, equipment and effort to drive or to find and deal with clients, it all costs money. An auto transport broker will already be set up to get in touch with multiple transporters in order to find the most effective rate and most efficient performance for the customer, so dealing directly with an auto carrier may not make a huge difference for the better in price or service. Auto carriers aren’t generally easy to locate and contact, since a lot of times they rely on brokers to connect them with consumers.

Preparing Your Vehicle to be Shipped

Ensure all personal items are removed from your vehicle.

Most people are unaware of a Department of Transportation Code that forbids auto transport services in San Marcos from transporting personal items included in vehicles. Items that should be removed from your vehicle prior to shipment include things like car seats, external GPS systems and clothing. So it’s a great idea to check your vehicle and take away any of these items before the truck arrives to pick it up.

Do not ship your automobile with a full tank of gas.

Keep an eye on your fuel gauge before shipping with a San Marcos car carrier. It’s advised to leave about a quarter of a tank in your car just to be on the safe side. Your car may be driven briefly just to load it onto and off of the vehicle trailer and you don’t want to keep your fuel level way too low. Conversely, you don’t want to ship your car with a full tank of gasoline either. A full tank will add considerable weight to your vehicle and could throw off the stability of the transport and result in issues.

Record any body damage on your vehicle

Always perform an in-depth inspection of the condition of your vehicle prior to shipping it via a San Marcos car hauler. The most effective way to do this is by washing your car first, making sure there’s no dirt left on it, and then walking around it and make notes of any dents or dings. This will make certain you are aware of any existing problems and can correctly determine if any new damage took place during the shipping process. Document any damages by taking photos with your phone or camera, that way you also have proof of your vehicle’s condition prior to transporting it.

What is a Bill of Lading?

As soon as the auto carrier in San Marcos arrives to retrieve your vehicle for transport you should be provided with what’s called a Bill of Lading. This document will verify that the auto shipping is transporting your car and will also validate its condition prior to shipping. First, inspect your vehicle with the driver of the auto trailer so that you both are in agreement on its condition. After the inspection is finished, current damages will be documented and the Bill of Lading will be signed by both the customer and the driver. Once your vehicle is delivered, you’ll be offered with a Bill of Lading that you can use to check for any new damages to your vehicle that may have occurred during the shipping process.

Your motor vehicle should be insured against damages.

It’s a wise course of action to ask your auto hauler about their company’s liability insurance coverage in the event your car is damaged during the shipping process. Any San Marcos car hauler should already have liability insurance, which is incorporated into the total cost of your shipping. The total insurance coverage typically ranges between ,000 and 0,000. Auto shippers will make use of a third-party insurer and should not cost extra, but rather it should be included in the rate that you’re already paying to ship your vehicle. Occasionally, your insurance company provides this type of coverage on your vehicle as well, so you can always check your policy prior to shipping.

Choosing the Best Auto Transport Carrier in San Marcos

It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research on any organization that you’re doing business with before making a commitment. There are tons of auto transporters in San Marcos to choose from, so how do you know which one is the best? First, you can obtain the company’s MC number or USDOT number. The auto carrier should always be licensed, bonded and insured. You can also look up their solutions on the Better Business Bureau’s website to find out what people are expressing about them. Lastly, review the terms and conditions of the auto transport services you’re receiving and it’s also a good idea to do a bit of research on the auto transport process in general. This way you’ll have a general knowledge about how auto transporting functions.

Open Vehicle Carriers vs. Enclosed Transports in San Marcos

An open auto transport carrier is open to the weather and elements, just as your vehicle would be if you were driving it down the road yourself. If using an open carrier then you could expect exposure to the elements and weather conditions throughout the areas it’s moving through. If you’re shipping a custom, classic or collector’s vehicle, then you may want to opt for an enclosed auto carrier. It is the opposite of an open car carrier shipping service. An enclosed carrier is just as it sounds, meaning your vehicle will transported in an enclosed environment and safe from the outdoors. Enclosed carriers usually can only carry a few vehicles at the same. In many cases up to five automobiles.

Get the Most Out of Your Auto Transport Service

In order to choose the right auto transport method for your vehicle, take into account how much security your car will require. If it is an antique or collector’s car, you’ll probably want to err on the side of caution and utilize a fully-enclosed trailer to move your vehicle. On the other hand, if you have an average or older model vehicle, then an open-air trailer should suit your needs just fine. A good game plan is to get many quotes from car shipping carriers or brokers, that way you know you’re receiving the most equitable rates. Simply put a little time towards investigating the auto shipping process and the car carrier in San Marcos that you’re planning to do business with, that way you know all your bases are covered.